2020 Principal’s Breakfast Chat
with Sec 2 Parents
28 April 2020
Sec 2 Year HeadMr Eric Loh
Other Key PersonnelMs Lee Chee Peng, HOD MathsMr Chua Chang Fong, HOD AestheticsMr Jason Lum, SH PE&CCAMr Wee Guoyuan, SH Social Studies
Support Team
Ms NoreffalizaAED Learning & Behaviour Support
Ms Tan Xin RuSchool Counsellor
Ms Eirena KhanAED Learning & Behaviour Support
Support Team
Ms Charlene KohChristian MinistryStaff
Mr Ingo HoffmanChristian MinistryStaff
Peer Support Board encouraging mental wellness and friendship-building…
Class Committee Investiture
Continuing to engage Class Chairpersons…
who continue to check-in with
and care for their classmates!
Class bonding during HBL
Sec 2B’s Class Breakfast
Preparing Students for Full HBL
• Whole school briefings prior to 1-day HBL and FHBL
• Checking that every student is FHBL-ready (IT hardware and software support)
• Kept parents in the loop to support their children
• Sticking to DORSCON orange timetable
• Daily folders with templates for each subject
• Students can refer to them in advance to plan their time
Monitoring Students on HBL
• Morning check-in with FTs
• Subject Teachers to check students have done HBL and submitted assignments, provide feedback to students on assignments or through consultations
• On 9, 13 and 14 April, mid-day check on students who have done HBL that morning and gather feedback on issues
• 17 April onwards – weekly HBL survey to find out how students are managing with HBL and gather feedback
• FTs and subject teachers update parents if students are not doing HBL
Assessments in Sec 2
• Focus on the learning every day, not assessments once a term
• No Mid-Year Exam in Term 2 because of full HBL
Level WA1 Mid-Year Exam
WA3 End-of-YearExam
Original 10% 30% 15% 45%
Revised 10% -- 20% 70%
May School Holidays
• 5 May (Tue) to 1 Jun (Mon)
• All students should defer all overseas travel
• Holiday homework
• Semester 1 Holistic Development Profile to be issued in Term 3
• Meet-the-Parents (originally on 29 May) will be postponed – details to be provided later
New Term 3
• From 2 Jun (Tue) to 6 Sep (Sun)
• Mid-term break 20 Jul (Mon) to 26 Jul (Sun)
• First half of Term 3 to focus on catching up and consolidating learning
• WA to be held in 2nd half of Term 3
Creating a Culture of ThinkingJoy of Teaching – Joy of Learning
Learning Dispositions for Active Lifelong Learners
• I am generally curious and eager to learn new things.
• I regularly spend time (beyond timetabled lessons) to pursue my intellectual interests (e.g. read up on topics I am interested in, attend enrichment programmes).
• I like to ask questions about the things I am learning.
• I often try to make connections between new things that I am learning and things that I already know.
• If I get stuck with a learning task, I will try to think of how to get round the problem.
How to Raise an Adult
• Give them unstructured time
• Teach Life Skills
• Teach them how to think
• Prepare them for hard work
• Let them chart their path
• Normalise struggle
• Have a wider mindset about colleges
• Listen to themhttps://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting
How to build self-efficacy
Self-efficacy:
The belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action to manage prospective situations (Albert Bandura, psychologist)
“I think I can” mindset
The belief that one’s own efforts lead to outcomes
• 1st we do it for you
• Then we do it with you
• Then we watch you do it
• Then you do it completely independently
Tips for Building Resilience
• Be present in your kid’s life
– Show your love and take an interest in their interests
• Give them room
– Let them make choices and decide how to do things
– Let them take risks and make mistakes
• Help them grow from experience
• Build their character
– Notice them being good
– Help them develop perspective
• Give specific, authentic feedback
• Model it
Nurture a Growth Mindset
• Think of challenges not as roadblocks, but opportunities for growth
• Use the language of growth – e.g. “I’m not sure I can do it now, but I think I can learn with time and effort.”
Carol Dweck “Mindset:
The New Psychology of Success”
Undermines Growth Mindset and Grit
Promotes Growth Mindset and Grit
“You’re a natural! I love that.” “You’re a learner! I love that.”
“Well, at least you tried!” “That didn’t work. Let’s talk about how you approached it and what might work better.”
“Great job! You’re so talented!” “Great job! What’s one thing that could have been even better?”
“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it.”
“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it yet.”
“Maybe this just isn’t your strength. Don’t worry – you have other things to contribute.”
“I have high standards. I’m holding you to them because I know we can reach them together.”
Language that cultivates hope
Angela Duckworth (2016) “Grit – the Power of Passion and Perseverance” p182
Ms June HengEducation & Career Guidance (ECG) CounsellorMondays at Counselling room
ECG Key Messages
Navigate Pathways with Confidence
2. Learn more about the world of work,education, and career pathways that you canchoose. Many pathways are worth taking, andthere are opportunities for continuous learningand recognition.
Make Informed Decisions and Own Them
3. Make considered decisions about your educationand career plans, and take positive steps to embarkon them.
Keep Learning. Be Resilient4. Develop 21st century competencies, values, andworkplace readiness skills to be adaptable andresilient.
Online Profiling Tools: MySkillsFuture
ITE
UniversityPolytechnics
Singapore-CambridgeA-Levels (JC or MI)
International Baccalaureate
LASALLE or NAFA
GCE O-Level
Post-Secondary Options
What does one study at the A-Levels?
H1 H2 H3
Half of H2 in terms of curriculum time
Equivalent to ‘A’ Level subjects prior to 2006.
Subjects with opportunity for in-depth study (e.g. advanced content, research paper, university module).
Select content subjects from three levels of study:
Usual subject combination:three H2s + one H1 content subjects
(one which must be contrasting)+ General Paper* + Project Work* + Mother Tongue*^* Offered at H1 level ^ Except those who have passed HMT at O-Level
Level of Math offered at O
Levels
Implications forJC/MI Mathematics
Implications for University CourseSelections
Elementary
Mathematics(E-Math)
Math at a H1 level
Fewer university course options e.g. Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies
Additional Mathematics
(A-Math)
Math at a H2 level
More university course options including Engineering & Science courses
Things to note:
Mathematics & Course Selections
Level of Science offered at O
Levels
Implications forJC/CI Science
Implications for University Course Selections
Pure Sciencee.g. Pure Biology
Science at a H2 level
Biology at H2 level
Requires a good H2 or GCE A-Level pass in Biology, Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics. Candidates without H2GCE A-Level passes in Biology orChemistry are required to read and pass the relevant bridging modules as part of the admission requirements.
Combined Science
e.g. Combined Phy/Chem
Some JCs allow only
Science at a H1 level
Phy and/or Chem at H1 level
Things to note:Science & Course Selections
Entry Criteria For Junior College
Core Requirements: At least C6 in English At least D7 in Mother Tongue At least D7 in Mathematics
L1R5 Aggregate: not more than 20 pointsL1 – English Language or Higher Mother TongueR1 – HumanitiesR2 – Math/ScienceR3 – Math/Science/HumanitiesAny other 2 subjects (except CCA)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Extended Essay :: Theory of Knowledge :: Creativity, Action, Service
3 core requirements of the IBDP– Extended Essay (EE) – 4,000 word essay
which acquaints students with theindependent research and writing skillsexpected at university
– Theory of Knowledge (ToK) – to providecoherence by exploring the nature ofknowledge across disciplines, encouraging anappreciation of other cultural perspectives
– Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) – encouragesstudents to be involved in artistic pursuits,sports and community service work, fosteringstudents’ awareness and appreciation of lifeoutside the academic arena
IBDP – ACS(I): Six Discipline Groups
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
English: Literature; Language & Literature
Group 2: 2nd Language Chinese B/ Malay B/ Tamil B/ Hindi B (SL), Ab initio (Spanish, French, Mandarin & Malay (SL))
Group 3: Individuals & Societies
Business Management (HL/SL); Economics (HL/SL); Geography (HL/SL); History (HL/SL)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Biology (HL/SL); Chemistry (HL/SL); Physics (HL/SL); Computer Science (HL)
Group 5: Mathematics Mathematics (HL/SL)
Group 6: The Arts Music (HL); Visual Arts (HL/SL)
Students from ACS(I) will select 1 subject each from Groups 1 to 5. The 6th
subject may be chosen from Group 1-4.
Full IB Diploma Programme
• 3 Higher Level subjects (240hrs)
• 3 Standard Level subjects (150hrs)
A-Levels IBDP
• Like to delve deep into specific subjects
• Prefer working on your own (other than for PW)
• Prefer final exam format
• Ability to keep up with consistent work
• Interest in many disciplines• Strong command of the
English Language• Keen to develop inquiry,
creative & critical thinking skills
• Able to work in groups• Prefer continual assessment
A Levels vs IBDP
A-Levels Polytechnic
• Academic/Structured Learning
• Holistic, broad-basededucation
• 2-year programme• More direct route to
university• University admissions based
on A-Level grades• Final Exam
• Vocational/Applied Learning• Specific area of expertise• 3-year programme• Workforce ready• University admissions based
on poly GPA – Consistent Performance
A Levels vs Polytechnic Diploma
Entry Criteria For PolytechnicsGenerally the following applies: At least a C6 in English Language for Non-
Technology Courses
At least a D7 in English Language & C6 in
Mathematics for Technology Courses D7 in Mathematics – only limited courses E8 in Mathematics – not eligible for poly courses
L1 - ELR2 – Relevant 2 subjectsB2 – Best 2 other subjects L1 + R2 + B2 of about 26 points (vary from year to year)
ELR2B2 Aggregate Type refers to the subject combinationrequired for admission to a polytechnic course. Different courseshave different subject requirements.
Implications:
1. Know the subject requirements for the courses you have interest in.
2. Check the cut-off points in the latest JAE
3. Max L1R2B2 of about 26 points for entry to polytechnic couses (vary from year to year)
What is ‘Aggregate Type’?
EL refers to English which is compulsory for all courses. R2 refers to 2 relevant subjects of which you must include a relevant subject from the 1st group and another relevant subject belonging to the 2nd group.
B2 refers to any 2 best subjects which you have to include to make up the aggregate for ELR2B2.
If you want to take a polytechnic course from Group A,
For more information, please download the JAE 2020booklethttps://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/admissions/jae/files/booklet.pdf
Or check the institutions’ websites
SEC 2 EXPRESS STREAMING
OPTIONS
Major Considerations
Setting the students up for success:
• Choosing the right combination based on both interest and ability
• Being able to perform and attain a good aggregate (L1R5, L1R2B2) to progress to next level of education and course of choice
Streaming Considerations
• All subject combinations allow students to gain entry into JCs or Polytechnics
• The only way to determine the right match of subject combination is by your results. You need to be realistic.
• Know the criteria for each subject combination and work towards your preferred one.
• Understand JC and Poly requirements and work towards them. Clarify with your teachers if in doubt.
Criteria for SubjectsTo qualify for You need to have
Pure Science (Triple/ Double)
Science results must be strong
Double Humanities Humanities results must be strong
Biology Strong in EL and strong in Science (Sec 1 and 2)
Additional Mathematics Must pass Mathematics
Additional subjects beyond the standard number
Overall results must be strong
Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang
Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue
Maths Maths Maths Maths
A Maths A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog
Humanities
(Social Studies + History/
Geography)
Humanities
SS + H/G
Humanities
SS + H/G
Humanities
SS + H/G
Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)
Biology Physics Biology Biology/ D&T/F&N/
Art*/Music*
Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog
Lit* / Art* / Music*
D&T* / Art* / Music*
Art*/Music*
Proposed Express Course Options
* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time
Selection Criteria for Coursework
Subjects
Food & Nutrition
Able to write an extended research essay for Coursework
Art
Pass school's internal Sec 2 Art Selection Test
Lessons conducted at Music Centres
Not linked to Sec 1-2 General Music
No need for music qualifications but must have experience performing on an instrument or singing
All applicants are required to submit both components of the Selection Exercise – (i) a recorded performance, and (ii) video response to aural imitation & creating tasks – as part of the course application, regardless of their attainment of certifications by external examination boards.
O-Level Music
Streaming Process
Application by Students and Parents
– represents preference and assessment of strengths and weaknesses by students and parents
Placement by School– professional assessment of the strengths and
weakness of students, based on their results and the teachers’ knowledge of the students,
– applies meritocratic principle when places are limited, by using the overall score & strengths in relevant subjects
• New overall percentage will be taken into consideration for placement in Sec 3.
• Recalculation of Overall Percentage based on o ELo Mother Tongueo Mathso Scienceo Humanities Subjects (Geography, History,
Literature)o Aesthetics Subjects (Art, FCE, D&T)
Streaming Process
ApplicationStudents can select up to 3 options (Express)If your overall percentage is less than 60%, you must declare at least one Course 4 Subject Combination.
Timeline• Students given option form – October (after End-
of-Year Exam)• Submission of forms • Release of Streaming Results – 1st week of Nov• Appeal – within 3 days of release of streaming
results• Results of appeal – by 3rd week of Nov
Things to Note
Any Queries
Ask….
• Form Teacher
• Ms Lee Chee Peng and Mr Ang Yuan Peng, HODs i/c of Sec 2 Streaming
• Mr Eric Loh, Sec 2 YH
• Mr Lim Sin Heng, Vice-Principal
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